Timbers coach and general manager Gavin Wilkinson said the team wants to see if the younger Rooney possesses some of the same skills as his older brother.

"We want to see if he's any good," Wilkinson said. "Obviously, there is a marketability that the name brings."

However, Wilkinson said the reasons for bringing in Rooney go beyond name recognition and marketing opportunities. The Timbers' forwards haven't been as productive compared to last year and the team has been inconsistent in scoring goals all season.

"He's a forward and we're lacking goals," Wilkinson said. "We're going to see if he can help with some short-term and possibly long-term issues."

What the 5-foot-11 Rooney, who can also play midfield, will bring to Portland is youth and athleticism, two qualities the team is looking for as it searches for players to sign when the Timbers join Major League Soccer next year. And it certainly doesn't hurt that his brother is a star striker on one of the world's best soccer teams.

"We're looking at young, exciting players who are athletic who can benefit the organization," Wilkinson said. "With John, the name is definitely there. And if you look at the genetic pool, there might be something there and we'll see if we can bring it out of him."

Rooney is currently not under contract with any team and if either Portland or Seattle want MLS to sign him now, Rooney would be assigned to that club by the waiver priority. If Rooney waits until after the season, he could be available in the MLS SuperDraft.

"We just may miss out," Wilkinson said. "But there's always a chance to see if we can make it happen."